Getting Between Stops
Fly into and out of Vancouver (YVR), which has nonstop flights from many US cities. Rent a car for the whole trip. Car ferries are part of the plan, so check your rental agreement allows them.
Whistler is about two to two and a half hours from YVR. Whistler to Tofino means a drive to Horseshoe Bay, a ferry of about an hour and forty minutes to Nanaimo and about three hours on Highway 4, a winding road with few gas stations. Tofino to Salt Spring is about three and a half hours to Crofton, then a 25-minute ferry. Salt Spring to Vancouver is a ferry from Long Harbour to Tsawwassen, which can take one and a half to three hours with stops, or a floatplane of about 30 minutes.
Reserve BC Ferries sailings in summer, when popular crossings sell out. Arrive early and check the schedule the day before.
Where to Stay
In Whistler, Nita Lake Lodge is a peaceful boutique stay with a lake view near Creekside. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, in the Upper Village, is a grand resort with a spa. The Four Seasons Resort Whistler has a heated outdoor pool and large rooms.
In Tofino, the Wickaninnish Inn is the most celebrated hotel on Vancouver Island, a Relais & Châteaux inn where every room faces the ocean. Tofino also has beachfront resorts on Cox Bay and Chesterman Beach. Couples who want something whimsical can add a night at Free Spirit Spheres, wooden spheres hung in the rainforest near Qualicum Bay, on the drive.
On Salt Spring, choose an inn or cottage near Ganges to walk to dinner, or a waterfront rental for privacy. In summer, expect about US$300 to US$700 a night for good lodges and inns and more at the Wickaninnish Inn (approximate).
When to Go
Late June to mid September is the main season. Days are drier and longer, the sea is calm for kayaking and boat trips and alpine trails in Whistler open fully in July. It is also the busiest time, with ferries and hotels filling up.
September is a favorite for couples, with warm afternoons, fewer people and harvest season on Salt Spring's farms. Spring, from March to May, brings gray whales migrating past Tofino and fresh green forests, though Whistler is still in ski season or between seasons.
Winter is storm-watching season on the west coast, when huge waves break on the beaches below the Wickaninnish Inn. It is surprisingly romantic, though many Gulf Island inns close and Whistler turns to skiing. Rain is likely outside summer, so pack waterproofs.
Budget and Booking
Book the Wickaninnish Inn first, since rooms sell out months ahead for summer. Then book Whistler, Salt Spring, flights and the car. Reserve ferry sailings as soon as schedules open.
As an approximate guide, good lodges and inns run about US$300 to US$700 a night in summer. The Wickaninnish Inn often runs higher. Salt Spring rentals vary widely and often have minimum stays.
Budget for the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Scandinave Spa, BC Ferries fares with a car, a whale-watching trip or Hot Springs Cove excursion and a Pacific Rim park pass. Prices are in Canadian dollars, which helps US travelers. Mention your honeymoon when you book. The Wickaninnish Inn and smaller inns often add a thoughtful touch.
Staying Comfortable and Safe
Pack for rain and cold in any season. A waterproof jacket, warm layers and good walking shoes for both of you will see you through Whistler's alpine trails, Tofino's beaches and Salt Spring's ferries.
On the west coast, the Pacific is cold and rip currents are common. Swim only where lifeguards are posted and take surf lessons with an instructor. Check tide times before beach walks, since rising tides can cut off headlands.
This is bear country, including black bears around Whistler and on Vancouver Island. Carry bear spray on hikes, make noise and never leave food in your car. On Highway 4 to Tofino, drive carefully on the winding sections and fill the tank before you leave. Dress is casual everywhere, with smart casual at the Wickaninnish Inn's dining room.
Make It Shorter or Longer
For an 8-day trip, drop Whistler and drive straight from YVR to the ferry for Vancouver Island. Spend four nights in Tofino and three on Salt Spring.
For 13 to 14 days, add two nights in Victoria, at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, between Tofino and Salt Spring. The Fairmont Empress overlooks the Inner Harbour. Another option is adding a night at Free Spirit Spheres on the way to Tofino.
Couples who want to add the Rockies can fly from Vancouver to Calgary for four nights at Lake Louise. Those who want even fewer moves can drop Salt Spring and spend six nights in Tofino, which suits a slow, storm-watching winter honeymoon.
